After training to become a physical education teacher, Adriano Iseppi worked as head of the cross-country skiing discipline at the Swiss Ski Association and as a sports project manager at Hochalpines Institut Ftan. He accompanied Dario Cologna on his way to the top and initiated the successful period in Swiss cross-country skiing. He is currently working as a sports coordinator at the talent school in Champfer and is a Swiss television co-commentator for cross-country skiing competitions.

You know cross-country skiing as an athlete, trainer, organiser, and TV expert. In which areas has it developed the most over the last couple of years?  

Cross-country skiing has changed in several ways. Apart from science-based ongoing developments in terms of training etc., new and adapted disciplines have also emerged, such as the sprint and skiathlon. Media marketing has also significantly changed the sport, whereby mass start races are now rife today. The Tour de Ski, with its multi-stage concept, is another decisive turning point which has greatly benefited the cross-country skiing discipline.

A good cross-country skier is made in the summer. How should hobby athletes stay fit to ensure they are in top form for the new season? Can you give us an overview of how the training and sporting year should be organised?

Cross-country skiing is a sport that works the entire body. For that reason, you can barely do anything wrong, provided you exercise on a regular basis. Any muscle group needed for cross-country skiing will get trained in the process. Be this through running, swimming, cycling, mountain hiking (best done with sticks), or different types of field games. In principal, it is important to build up a good basis by doing longer units in the summer and autumn months. You can then build on this foundation by doing faster units in late autumn / early winter. For professionals, “interval training” all year long is an essential part of training.

You pointed the way with Dario Cologna, the most successful Swiss skier of all times. What particularly characterises the Olympic winner and world champion?  

Dario is a talent of the century. But what distinguishes such a talent? Apart from having the perfect physical build for cross-country skiing (broad shoulders tapering into finely structured legs), his body is also able to resist physical fatigue and mental exhaustion. The movement intelligence, with which he achieves his outstanding technique on snow, is another crucial factor.

In Champfer, you train young people in cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and snowboarding, among others. What three most important pieces of advice can you give them and hobby athletes, in order for them to achieve their individual goals?

The enjoyment of sport is paramount. You need intrinsic motivation to initiate the desire to exercise so the sacrifices you make to achieve your athletic goals are, in fact, no sacrifices at all. All in all, this means:

1. Always enjoy exercising
2. Placing one foot in front of the other
3. Working on your shortcomings with patience and persistence

Foto: ZVG